Exfoliating your skin is important, but knowing how to exfoliate your skin properly is even more important. So why is exfoliating the key to great skin? Keep reading for the top 3 reasons.

1) Exfoliating Prevents Spots and Blackheads

First up, exfoliating sloughs away the top layer of dead skin. If you don't give your natural skin turnover a helping hand these dead cells can clog pores (especially if you have oily/combination skin) which can lead to spots and blocked pores.

2) Exfoliating Stops Your Complexion Looking Dull and Lacklustre

Even if you're not spot-prone, dead skin cells can leave your complexion looking dull and lacklustre. Exfoliating the skin is a little like polishing a glass, the buffing motion helps give skin a welcome glow.

3) Exfoliating Helps Your Makeup Sit on the Skin (and Last) Better

You know the scenario, you apply you makeup first thing only for it to sit in pores and for dry patches to show come the afternoon. The smoother the skin (hello, exfoliation), the better your makeup will glide on and last. 

The key to successful exfoliation is to gently buff dry skin (or damp, if your skin is sensitive) with your chosen mechanical exfoliator two-three times per week. Mechanical exfoliators have granules that physically buff away the dead skin. Alternatively, you can use an acid-based exfoliator with AHAs or fruit enzymes that nibble away at dead skin.

Shop The Beauty Editor's favourite mechanical and acid-based exfoliators below.

Dr Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub, €50

With cell-renewing Vitamin A and anti-inflammatory purslane, as well as crushed almond granules, this mechanical scrub gently sloughs away at dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and healthy-looking. 

Skin & Tonic London Gentle Scrub, €22.50

You simply mix this powder, which contains oat, rosehip and French pink clay, with water to create a super gentle yet effective exfoliating paste. 

Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub, €39

Packed with fruit enzymes, AHAs and BHAs, you gently massage this into skin and rinse off to reveal a more glowing complexion, fast!

Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator, €72

Like Dr Barbara Sturm's Facial Scrub, this combines both a mechanical scrub in the form of crushed walnut shells and an enzymatic exfoliating action with fruit, honey and herbal enzymes to supercharge the exfoliation, whilst still being gentle on the skin.

Lixirskin Night Switch PHA/AHA 10%, €24

The first three scrubs require you to buff and massage them into the skin, but with this acid-based exfoliator you simply apply it to the skin before bed and it will get to work nibbling away at dead skin while you sleep. You'll wake up to smoother, brighter-looking skin. 

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